How did BOOK OF MORMON end up in the Pantages?

[bobs3]

Posted: 9/6/12 at 2:52am

It seems a more likely candidate for the Ahmanson (a large theater but it seems more intimate because of its interior design) whereas the Pantages is a giant cavern more fit for spectacles like THE LION KING, WICKED, etc.

I find it hard to believe that Michael Ritchie (head of CTG) would have passed on BOM so the Pantages must have offered the producers a sweetheart deal. Updated On: 9/6/12 at 02:52 AM

[brettarnett]

Posted: 9/6/12 at 10:59am

I was always under the impression that Nederlander shows go to the Pantages but since The Book of Mormon is Jujamcyn, I really have no clue. But like you said Pantages must have bid more

[My Oh My]

Posted: 9/6/12 at 1:15pm

The Pantages used to be exclusively a touring house for about 2 decades, then when they tore down the Shubert Theatre, it became the only other venue that hosted premieres as well as national tours.

I never did find out why they did the shocking thing of tearing down the Shubert Theatre. So many unforgettable shows and performances, including my first ever show and the reason I'm even posting on this forum 25 years + later. And it was known as "Les Miserables," not DREAM THE DREAM.

What a butthole decision to tear down such a perfect theatre and build office building in its place. *shakes fist*

[amelourdes]

Posted: 9/6/12 at 1:44pm

I'm definitely grateful it didn't end up at the Ahmanson because that theater is simply too large for some productions. On the other hand, I'm also unhappy that the Pantages is the only other option. I've been hearing so much about the Shubert and wish they hadn't gotten rid of the theater. I've experienced rude customer service (particularly from the moron who runs their Facebook page), rude patrons (eating, drinking, talking, cell phones) during shows, and it does tend to ruin the experience for me. I only go because that's the theater that gets shows I want to see, unfortunately. So, I'll be there for Mormon.

[GypsyRoadLee]

Posted: 9/6/12 at 2:29pm

Well, the Pantages is about 900 seats bigger than the Ahmanson. That's probably a big part of it. The Ahmanson feels huge because it is tall. Pantages is much wider

Pantages at 2700 seats with an average ticket price of, say $110 will bring in $2,376,000 over an 8 show week.

Compared to the Ahmanson same Avg ticket price of $110 at a capacity of 1800, only grosses $1,584,000, a difference of $792,000 per week..

Over a 12 week run in LA the production will earn $9,504,000 more at the Pantages than the Ahmanson.

Considering the Avg ticket price in NYC is in the $180 range I'm guessing the $110 I used here is a bit low only adding to the profit.

[bobs3]

Posted: 9/6/12 at 2:59pm

If greed were the only reason for picking the Pantages then why is BOM still at the O'Neill (1,094 seats)? They could have easily moved it to the St. James (1,600+ seats) after Leap of Faith closed and they would be the highest grossing show on Broadway right now.

In Los Angeles, people tend to roll their eyes at the thought of the Pantages because it usually gets the shows that CTG turns down. THE LION KING and WICKED went to the Pantages because they were open end runs (Broadway/LA moved its subscription season into the Wilshire Theater). Plus, the Ahmanson gives a show the prestige of playing at the Music Center which is a big deal in Los Angeles.

[DAME]

Posted: 9/6/12 at 3:11pm

"In Los Angeles, people tend to roll their eyes at the thought of the Pantages because it usually gets the shows that CTG turns down."

Bull. Most people here have no idea why theaters get what for whatever reason. No one gives a crap. This is just not a theater town. Both theaters are too big. But the Pantages is beautiful and has a Hollywood location.

Updated On: 9/6/12 at 03:11 PM

[nealb1]

Posted: 9/6/12 at 3:20pm

Dame, thanks for saying that. That's complete bull. Such nonsense.

During the record breaking 4 & 1/2 year run of "Phantom of The Opera" at The Ahmanson Theatre, CTG's other shows went to The Doolittle, and was referred to as The Ahmanson at The Doolittle.

[emo_geek]

Posted: 9/6/12 at 4:07pm

I (and many of my associates) prefer the Pantages because it does not require you to enter Downtown Los Angeles. The fact that I live in Hollywood is also a plus.

Book of Mormon has Hollywood written all over it.

[ChairinMain]

Posted: 9/6/12 at 4:34pm

I grew up walking distance from the Schubert, and I'm STILL mad that they tore it down. I think I remember hearing something about it being too many seats...certainly nothing would ever sell out there.

[GypsyRoadLee]

Posted: 9/6/12 at 4:59pm

I would think it is a better long term business strategy, (discussed somewhere on these boards in the past) to keep the broadway show at the Smaller Eugene O'Neil to prolong the hot ticket which helps sell the road show better since it will be easier to get tix for the road house you may live near at a slightly more affordable price than Broadway, helping to build the brand name and a title that will continue to sell to Touring Markets based on the strength of the Broadway production alone.

For a 12 week run in any tour stop, a show is trying to capitalize on the gross potential of the show in the short run they will have there. Longevity of the run is not a concern, since they have built their brand, created a sold out event which will sell equally well if not better the next time it comes through, especially if in 3 years the Broadway show is still selling to capacity at the O'Neil and the tour(s)/sitdowns) are still performing well and enables the tour to enjoy repeat visits to A list markets. Broadway is where your flagship production is, and if we have learned anything from the over produced, dumped into too large of a house for its target audience to fill ,and mishandled Big Budget Broadway flops, it is that choice of theatre can have a direct impact on the longevity of your Brand. (9 to 5, Wonderland, Pirate Queen, Scarlet Pimpernel)

I still maintain that The Producers could have run 10 years in a smaller house, because filling the 1600 seat St. James with a not so family friendly star driven show proved to be impossible, even with star casting. Same goes for American Idiot... Put that into the Eugene O'Neil and the show could have run for a few years. Instead of one and done at the St. Jimmy.

[Leadingplayer]

Posted: 9/7/12 at 3:14pm

not so family friendly star driven show proved to be impossible, even with star casting^^^


What stars did they get...Tony Danza?! That was The Producers' problem...the event was the original leads which they could never replicate.

[Popular]

Posted: 9/7/12 at 9:47pm

I'll admit I just skimmed quickly through the posts, but just wanted to say that I saw the show last night and I thought it played well in the Pantages.

On another note, the Mormon Church took out 3 full page ads in the playbill with quotes like "the book is always better" and "you've seen the play, now read the book"... you can't miss the ads, they are right in front and in between the cast list and bios. Is this in the Broadway playbill too? I don't remember seeing the ads in NY and thought it was pretty clever. Not sure if they are trying to save the audience from what they are seeing or if they are showing a sense of humor, but I had to crack a smile.

[JohnyBroadway]

Posted: 9/7/12 at 9:48pm

How is Gavin Creel?

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 9/7/12 at 10:07pm

"Not sure if they are trying to save the audience from what they are seeing or if they are showing a sense of humor, but I had to crack a smile."

I'd guess a combination of the two.

The Mormon church seems to have been pretty easy-going when it comes to Matt and Trey. I don't recall them putting up a fuss over the episode "All About the Mormons" on South Park, or Joseph Smith's portrayal as a member of the Super Best Friends. Not like the stink a few Scientologists threw over the "Trapped in the Closet" episode.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 9/7/12 at 10:30pm

The LDS ads are so far only in LA and there's a whole story about it in the LA Times.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-cm-mormon-church-lds-ads-book-of-mormon-playbill-20120906,0,51504.story

[Popular]

Posted: 9/7/12 at 10:51pm

Overall, I was very impressed with Gavin. I thought All American Prophet and Spooky Mormon Hell Dream were his best numbers. There were some moments were I felt like he was struggling through something out of his control like exhaustion or not feeling 100%, but then the next second he'd do something incredible (pun intended). In fact, I felt that way about several of the leads so I honestly don't think last night was the best night to base an opinion on. That being said, the audience (including myself) loved it and I only think they are going to get better and better. I'm seeing it again in 3 weeks so I'll have something to compare.

[Popular]

Posted: 9/7/12 at 10:53pm

Oh wow, thanks for the link. It's like they read my mind and wrote an article to answer my questions haha

EDITED TO ADD: Ok, apparently Jimmy Kimmel showed the playbill too. http://youtu.be/sIhce325fZg

Updated On: 9/7/12 at 10:53 PM